Meet with Our Social Worker
The Racine Public Library's social worker can connect you to resources related to housing, legal help, employment, education, crisis support, sexual assault, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, youth, applying for benefits and anything else you might need. Common needs she helps with include needs assessments, resource referrals, advice, simple translation, or someone to listen. All of our social services are available to the public for free.
To get started, make an appointment:
Most support is available by appointment. We have drop-in availability during bus pass hours and sometimes upon request. Drop-in sessions work best for for quick questions and scheduling. For anything else, appointments are recommended.
- Location: In-person, Zoom or phone
- How to book:
- Call or text (262) 321-9458.
- Email [email protected].
- Stop by the library and ask.
While you're waiting for your appointment, you may also be able to find what you need on FindHelp.org. Just enter your zip code to find nearby food pantries, financial aid, medical care and other free or low-cost supports.
Services our social worker doesn't provide:
- Mental health therapy. While our social worker can help you connect with therapist, she is not a licensed therapist and can't offer mental health therapy.
- Government phones. Our social worker can assist visitors with the government phone application, but she can't complete the application for you and does not provide government phones.
Meet with Our Social Worker
The Racine Public Library's social worker can connect you to resources related to housing, legal help, employment, education, crisis support, sexual assault, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, youth, applying for benefits and anything else you might need. Common needs she helps with include needs assessments, resource referrals, advice, simple translation, or someone to listen. All of our social services are available to the public for free.
To get started, make an appointment:
Most support is available by appointment. We have drop-in availability during bus pass hours and sometimes upon request. Drop-in sessions work best for for quick questions and scheduling. For anything else, appointments are recommended.
- Location: In-person, Zoom or phone
- How to book:
- Call or text (262) 321-9458.
- Email [email protected].
- Stop by the library and ask.
While you're waiting for your appointment, you may also be able to find what you need on FindHelp.org. Just enter your zip code to find nearby food pantries, financial aid, medical care and other free or low-cost supports.
Services our social worker doesn't provide:
- Mental health therapy. While our social worker can help you connect with therapist, she is not a licensed therapist and can't offer mental health therapy.
- Government phones. Our social worker can assist visitors with the government phone application, but she can't complete the application for you and does not provide government phones.
Free Bus Passes
We offer free bus passes to help you get to doctor's appointments, job interviews and other social service needs.
Requirements:
- Bus passes are available to anyone, regardless of where you live or whether you have a library card.
- Bring verification showing your name and the date you need the pass for. Options for forms of verification include texts, emails, letters or representative's verification via speakerphone.
- Passes are limited to five per person per month.
- Bus passes are intended to support short-term social service needs. Due to limited availability, we can't offer them for ongoing or long-term needs.
Bus Pass Hours
- Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 6:
- Tuesdays 1-2:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays 3:30-5 p.m.
- Thursdays 11 a.m.-Noon
Bus pass hours will take place in Study Room 1.
Community Resource Fairs: Connecting nonprofits and community members
Dates:
- Friday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- May 1, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Aug. 7, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Nov. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore local options for support and social services all in one place. Meet local organizations, ask your questions, and discover programs and resources to help you and your family thrive.
These quarterly events are also an opportunity for local organizations to share their services with the community. Apply to table here.
Sensory Space
Our sensory room is a private, quiet self-care room full of stim toys and sensory installations like bubble tanks, scent diffusers, tactile wall toys, sensory lights, and more. Also includes a privacy screen and chair for nursing parents. Now available for booking.
Who can use the sensory space?
Anyone! The sensory installations have proven benefits for autistic people; people with PTSD, ADHD, dementia and other neurodivergences; children; and anyone experiencing stress or overwhelm.
Why social work?
For several years, we have observed a shift in the needs of community members as requests for services around homelessness, addiction, mental illness, domestic violence and other issues increased.
We piloted our social services in late 2019. The need for social workers’ presence in the library was evident from the volume of requests for referrals and direct counseling. Since then, we’ve transitioned from hosting social work interns to bringing our own social worker on staff to better meet the community’s needs.
Learn more: